Shandong · Gansu · Shanghai · Guangdong · Beijing
2026 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists
Five programs across Shandong, Gansu, Shanghai, Guangdong and Beijing
The Visiting Program for Young Sinologists is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China and is jointly organized by Chinese (provincial) municipal governments and academic institutes. The program aims to build a platform to support young sinologists from abroad in conducting China studies, providing convenience and substantial assistance for their academic research, supporting collaboration and exchange with outstanding Chinese academic, cultural, and educational institutes, groups, enterprises, and scholars, and helping them enhance their academic levels and international influence. Each research class features core activities including an opening ceremony, intensive lectures, specialized research, field research, report exchanges, and a closing ceremony.
The 2026 Visiting Program for Young Sinologists will focus on themes such as the Modern Transformation and International Communication of Confucian Thought, Conservation and Utilization of Historical and Cultural Heritage and High-Quality Development of Cultural and Tourism Industry, Technological Innovation Empowering High-Quality Cultural Development, and the Global Significance of Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Opening-up and Advancing Chinese Modernization. Four 21-day training sessions on China studies will be held in Shandong, Gansu, Shanghai, and Guangdong respectively. In addition, a 10-day short-term session on Chinese music culture will be offered in Beijing. The program will invite approximately 100 young sinologists and artists to China.
Sessions
9-29 Sep 2026 · 21 days
Shandong: Confucian Thought — Modern Transformation & International Communication
Study Confucius' hometown, attend the International Confucius Cultural Festival, and explore Confucian thought's role in the Global Civilization Initiative.
View full itinerary & apply →Application Requirements
- Basic requirements: aged 25 to 45, in good health (with a health certificate from the home country), able to conduct discussions in Chinese or English, and hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Work experience: engaged at renowned think tanks, government departments, educational research institutes, cultural/artistic/media agencies, or cultural and creative enterprises in the home country.
- Academic capabilities: publications related to China studies; currently involved in collaborative projects with China; outstanding academic potential or project leadership ability.
Application Process
Application method: Applications are submitted online through recommendations from Chinese institutes abroad, such as embassies, consulates, overseas Chinese cultural centers, and overseas tourism offices.
Selection method: Provincial (municipal) organizers arrange the person in charge of their respective research courses to conduct a preliminary review of applicants. The final review is carried out by experts and the person in charge from the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, who determine the final list of invited participants for each research class.
Expense Arrangements
The Chinese side will cover the expenses for invited young Sinologists participating in the program, including round-trip international airfare (economy class), accommodations and meals in China, group travel, and research fees.
Program Format
(I) Intensive lecture: attend lectures given by renowned Chinese experts and conduct research on selected themes. (II) Professional research: based on the submitted research plans, visit relevant institutes for specialized research and paper-oriented exchanges. (III) Field research: conduct research and experiential activities related to China's national conditions and cultural heritage. (IV) Summary and exchange: share findings during the paper exchange and closing ceremony, and provide feedback on the program. (V) Follow-up: submit a 3,000-5,000-Chinese-character research report within 30 days of the program's completion.
Applications close 28 Aug 2026